sound idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"sound idea" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means a good or sensible idea that is well thought out and likely to be successful. Example: "In order to grow their company, the CEO proposed a sound idea to invest in new technology that would streamline their production process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a sound idea.

The New York Times

A 20-meter-long lanyard is a sound idea.

The New York Times

And it looks like a pretty sound idea.

Harvard Business Review

Promoting local foods is a sound idea in principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

But replacing dropout factories with specialized schools that provide individual attention is a sound idea.

The New York Times

Using dynamic pricing or peak-usage thresholds to reduce usage is a perfectly sound idea.

The Economist

But reducing the COLA is not a sound idea now and may never be.

The New York Times

This is a sound idea, but could rub Indian officials the wrong way.

The New York Times

Reviewing the growing literature on the health effects of hydraulic fracturing is a sound idea.

The New York Times

The sound idea is that bankers' remuneration should match the risks they take on.

The New York Times

A Sound Idea: Phonetic Effects of Brand Names on Consumer Judgements.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "sound idea", clearly articulate the reasoning behind it. Providing evidence, data, or logical arguments can strengthen the perception of its validity and increase its acceptance among stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid presenting an idea as groundbreaking when it's simply a refinement of existing concepts. Instead, frame it as a "sound idea" that leverages proven strategies to achieve specific improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "sound" acts as a qualifying adjective describing the noun "idea". According to Ludwig AI, it describes a good or sensible idea that is well thought out and likely to be successful. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its role in expressing approval or agreement with a concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sound idea" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a well-reasoned and logical concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies approval and confidence in the potential success of the idea. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, from news articles to business proposals, and its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance. When using "sound idea", focus on articulating the reasoning and evidence behind the concept to maximize its persuasive impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensible plan

Replaces "idea" with "plan", emphasizing the structured and actionable nature of the concept. It suggests practicality and feasibility.

valid concept

Substitutes "sound" with "valid", which focuses on the logical and factual basis of the idea, implying it's well-founded and defensible.

logical proposition

Replaces the more informal "idea" with "proposition", indicating a formal suggestion or argument presented for consideration.

well-reasoned approach

Replaces "sound idea" with a phrase that emphasizes the thoughtful and analytical process behind the concept, suggesting a carefully considered strategy.

prudent course of action

This alternative is more formal and implies that the idea is not only logical but also wise and cautious, minimizing potential risks.

smart move

A more informal alternative focusing on the cleverness and strategic advantage of the idea.

judicious decision

Suggests the idea reflects careful judgment and wisdom, particularly in complex or critical situations.

credible suggestion

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the idea, implying that it comes from a reliable source and is likely to be true or effective.

tenable solution

Indicates the idea is defensible and capable of being maintained or upheld against opposition or challenges.

effective strategy

This alternative emphasizes that the idea is designed to achieve a specific goal and is likely to produce the desired result.

FAQs

How can I use "sound idea" in a sentence?

You can use "sound idea" to describe a plan or concept that is well-reasoned and likely to succeed. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is a "sound idea" for a sustainable future".

What can I say instead of "sound idea"?

You can use alternatives like "sensible plan", "valid concept", or "logical proposition" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very sound idea"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" before "sound idea" can be seen as slightly redundant since "sound" already implies a high degree of validity. Consider using a stronger adjective or rephrasing for emphasis if needed.

What's the difference between "sound idea" and "good idea"?

"Sound idea" suggests an idea that is not only beneficial but also well-reasoned and logically supported, while "good idea" is a more general term that simply implies a positive outcome or benefit. A sound idea is usually more thoroughly thought out.